Generation

What is the CJPAC Generation: Student Leaders Program?

Generation: Student Leaders is CJPAC’s national leadership program for Jewish high school students in Grades 10 to 12 across Canada who are curious about politics, public life, and the role they can play as young leaders.

At a time when civic engagement and Jewish representation in public life matter deeply, Generation gives students the knowledge, confidence, and community to understand politics from the inside and participate meaningfully in Canada’s democratic process.

Throughout the school year, participants join monthly sessions with elected officials, policy experts, community leaders, and peers from across the country. They learn how decisions are made, what leadership looks like in practice, and how to use their voices with clarity and purpose.

Rooted in Jewish pride, community, and responsibility, Generation helps students explore how Jewish values connect with leadership and citizenship. Participants build lasting friendships, strengthen their sense of belonging, and have the opportunity to take part in an unforgettable Ottawa experience that brings the program to life.

Program Experience: What to Expect

Generation is designed to fit into a busy school year while giving students meaningful opportunities to learn, lead, connect, and gain real political experience. 

An Unforgettable Ottawa Experience – Students will spend three days in our nation’s capital, where the program comes to life through leadership training, high-profile speakers, and meaningful time with Jewish peers from across Canada. 

Monthly Leadership Sessions – Throughout the school year, students take part in engaging virtual and occasional in-person sessions led by elected officials, policy experts, campaign professionals, and community leaders from across the political spectrum. 

Practical Political Learning – Sessions explore how government works at the federal, provincial, and municipal levels, along with civic engagement, campaigning, Jewish values, public leadership, dialogue, and communication. 

Exclusive Year-Round Access – Generation students are connected to private briefings, community events, CJPAC programs, and ongoing support from the CJPAC team. For many participants, these connections open doors to mentorship, internships, campaign roles, job and career opportunities, and future leadership pathways. 

Real Political Volunteering – As part of the program, students must complete a minimum of six hours of political volunteering. CJPAC helps connect them with meaningful opportunities to build relationships, gain first-hand experience, and see politics in action. These hours can also help fulfill school community service or volunteer-hour requirements. 

Why Apply?

Generation helps Jewish high school students build the knowledge, confidence, and community to understand public life, speak with purpose, and begin seeing themselves as future leaders in Canada’s democracy. 

Understand Politics from the Inside – Students gain a clearer understanding of Canada’s political system and how decisions are made at every level of government. They move beyond headlines and classroom concepts to see how public leadership works in practice. 

Build Confidence and Find Your Voice – Generation helps students think critically, communicate clearly, and express their perspectives with respect. They develop practical leadership skills they can carry into school, community life, volunteering, and future opportunities. 

Connect Jewish Identity with Public Leadership – Students explore how Jewish values, civic responsibility, and pride in Jewish identity connect to the choices leaders make and the communities they serve. The program helps students see that young Jewish leaders have a place in public life. 

Meet Leaders and Learn from Experience – Through conversations with elected officials, policy leaders, campaign professionals, and community voices, students gain exposure to decision makers and public leadership in action. They ask questions, hear different perspectives, and learn from people shaping civic life across Canada. 

Join a National Community of Young Jewish Leaders – Participants build lasting relationships with peers from across the country who share an interest in politics, Jewish identity, and leadership. They leave with a stronger sense of belonging, responsibility, and connection to a national community that continues beyond the program. 

Generation helps students move from learning about public life to seeing how they can take part in it with confidence, responsibility, and pride in their Jewish identity. 

Who Should Apply

Generation is for Jewish high school students in Grades 10 to 12 across Canada who are curious about politics, open to learning, and ready to grow as leaders.  

Ideal applicants are students who: 

Want to Understand How Decisions Are Made – Students don’t need to be political experts. They should be curious about how government works, how public decisions are made, and how young people can take part. 

Are Ready to Grow as Leaders – Generation is a strong fit for students who want to build confidence, strengthen their communication skills, and learn how to express their ideas with respect and purpose. 

Are Asking Bigger Questions – Applicants are thinking about their role in their community and country, and how Jewish values can guide leadership and responsibility. 

Want to Connect with Jewish Peers Across Canada – Participants join a national community of students who share an interest in politics, Jewish identity, and public life. 

Are Motivated to Contribute – Ideal applicants are curious, thoughtful, and community-minded.  

Students who participated in Generation last year may apply again as returning student leaders.